Eighteen miners trapped for nearly 18 hours under the El Minón mine in northwestern Colombia were finally rescued by emergency services, according to a statement from the government. The incident occurred on Thursday due to a mechanical failure that caused a structure intended to shield against landslides to collapse, blocking the primary exit, as reported by AFP news agency.
Emergency teams conducted a rescue effort lasting twelve hours, and by 03:00 local time on Friday, all workers were safely brought to the surface and reported to be in good health, confirmed the National Mining Agency (ANM). Celebratory cheers erupted from the miners’ colleagues as they emerged from the depths of the mine, highlighting the relief felt by the local community.
The mayor of Remedios raised concerns in a letter to the government, emphasizing that the mine’s operations seemed to be unauthorized. In the meantime, as the miners awaited rescue, they received oxygen through hoses to ensure their wellbeing, reported local radio station ABC. The ANM emphasized the risks associated with illegal mining activities, which not only jeopardize the lives of workers but also threaten environmental resources in Colombia.
Tragically, mining accidents are frequent in Colombia, with numerous fatalities recorded over the years, raising alarm about the conditions miners face in the industry.
